Robust optimization of EMU brake module based on interval analysis

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to research the influence of non-probabilistic design variables on interval robust optimization of electric multiple units (EMU) brake module, therefore obtain the reasonable of design variables of the EMU brake module.

Design/methodology/approach

A robust optimization model of the EMU brake module based on interval analysis is established. This model also considers the dimension tolerance of design variables, and it uses symmetric tolerance to describe the uncertainty of design variables. The interval order relation and possibility degree of interval number are employed to deal with the uncertainty of objective function and constraint condition, respectively. On this basis, a multiobjective robust optimization model in view of interval analysis is established and applied to the robust optimization of the EMU brake module.

Findings

Compared with the traditional method and the method proposed in the reference, the maximum stress fluctuation of the EMU brake module structure is smaller after using the method proposed in this paper, which indicates that the robustness of the maximum stress of the structure has been improved. In addition, the weight and strength of the structure meet the design requirements. It shows that this method and model introduced in this research have certain feasibility.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to apply the robust optimization model based on interval analysis to the optimization of EMU structure and obtain the optimal solution set that meets the design requirements. Therefore, this study provides an idea for nonprobabilistic robust optimization of the EMU structure.

Citation

Li, Y., Yin, H. and Xia, Q. (2021), "Robust optimization of EMU brake module based on interval analysis", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 17 No. 6, pp. 1081-1092. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-03-2021-0053